Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is implementing care for a school-age child admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which prescribed intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Begin 0.9% saline solution intravenously as prescribed
• B. Administer regular insulin intravenously as prescribed
• C. Place the child on a cardiac monitor
• D. Place the child on a pulse oximetry monitor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first intervention when managing a child with diabetic ketoacidosis is to begin intravenous saline solution to address dehydration and restore electrolyte balance. Rehydration is essential to improve perfusion and correct electrolyte imbalances. Administering insulin without addressing dehydration can potentially lead to further complications. Placing the child on a cardiac monitor or pulse oximetry monitor is important but not the initial priority in managing DKA.

2. What is an important nursing consideration for a child with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) being treated with methotrexate?

• A. Monitor liver function tests regularly
• B. Encourage regular exercise
• C. Provide high-calorie snacks
• D. Encourage frequent handwashing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor liver function tests regularly. Methotrexate, commonly used in JIA, can be hepatotoxic. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is crucial to detect any signs of liver damage early. While encouraging regular exercise (choice B) is generally beneficial for overall health, it is not directly related to methotrexate therapy. Providing high-calorie snacks (choice C) is not a necessary consideration in this context and can be misleading. Encouraging frequent handwashing (choice D) is important for infection control but is not specifically related to the medication methotrexate.

3. The nurse is conducting a physical examination of a 9-month-old baby with a flat, discolored area on the skin. The nurse documents this as a:

• A. Papule
• B. Macule
• C. Vesicle
• D. Scale

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A macule is defined as a flat, discolored area on the skin that is different from surrounding tissue due to a change in color. In this case, the baby has a flat, discolored area on the skin, which fits the description of a macule. A papule is a small, raised solid bump, a vesicle is a small fluid-filled blister, and a scale is a flake of skin that is often dry and rough. Therefore, choices A, C, and D do not accurately describe the flat, discolored area on the baby's skin, making them incorrect.

4. A child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance
• B. Encouraging regular exercise
• C. Administering antipyretics
• D. Administering antibiotics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract leading to diarrhea and vomiting, which can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, the priority nursing intervention is to monitor and maintain the child's fluid and electrolyte balance to prevent complications. Encouraging regular exercise (Choice B) may not be appropriate initially for a child with gastroenteritis who needs rest and fluid replacement. Administering antipyretics (Choice C) is not the priority unless the child has a fever. Administering antibiotics (Choice D) is not indicated for viral gastroenteritis, which is the most common cause of the condition.

5. The school nurse is caring for a boy with hemophilia who fell on his arm during recess. What supportive measures should the nurse use until factor replacement therapy can be instituted?

• A. Apply warm, moist compresses
• B. Apply pressure for at least 1 minute
• C. Elevate the area above the level of the heart
• D. Begin passive range-of-motion unless the pain is severe

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct supportive measure for the school nurse to use for a boy with hemophilia who fell on his arm during recess is to elevate the area above the level of the heart. Elevating the affected area helps reduce bleeding and swelling in a child with hemophilia until factor replacement therapy can be provided. Applying warm, moist compresses (Choice A) may worsen bleeding by dilating blood vessels. Applying pressure for at least 1 minute (Choice B) is not recommended for hemophilia as it can lead to increased bleeding. Beginning passive range-of-motion (Choice D) should be avoided as it can exacerbate bleeding and further injury in a child with hemophilia.

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